The Master of Sandwiches Shares on of His Favorites

Jeff Mauro is known for his love of sandwiches. Here he shares a recipe for a new one that includes plantains, beef and cheese. One word comes to mind, yum.

Ingredients

For the garlic mayo:

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 clove garlic, minced or run through a press

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the sandwich:

4 cups vegetable oil, for frying

2 green plantains, cut in half and then halved lengthwise

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Granulated garlic, for seasoning

4 slices American cheese

1 pound good-quality boiled ham, thinly sliced

1 beefsteak tomato, thinly sliced

4 vibrant leaves iceberg lettuce

Garlic Mayo, recipe follows

Cooking Directions

For the mayonnaise:

In a bowl, mix together the mayo, chili powder, cumin, garlic and a little salt and pepper to taste.

For the sandwich:

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven to 375 degrees F. Fry 4 pieces of plantains until they float to the surface, about 2 minutes. Drain on a paper towel and repeat with the remaining 4 pieces. Using 2 wooden cutting boards or a heavy pan, flatten each piece of plantain. Refry each piece of flattened plantain, in batches, until golden, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and a little granulated garlic. Set aside on a paper towel.

For the sandwich build: On the bottom of 4 fried plantains (or tostones), place a slice of American cheese, a quarter of the ham, a quarter of the tomatoes and 1 lettuce leaf. Spread the Garlic Mayo on the top tostones and close. Cut in half on the bias. Pick up gently but bite aggressively.